Contaminant-induced impacts on avian migration: evaluating cue perception, fuelling and orientation

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Although migration is a phenomenon that spans the animal kingdom, many long-distance migrant species are currently in steeper decline relative to non-migrant species. Environmental contamination by various pollutants has been identified as a potentially important factor contributing to these declines. However, the mechanistic links between pollutant exposure and reduced migratory success have yet to be established. Using shorebirds and passerine model species, I will take a holistic approach to link the small scale mechanistic effects of industrial contaminants on cells to organisms. This will improve our knowledge of the implications for migratory bird populations using contaminated sites during key life stages of early development, as first time juveniles or experienced adults on migration. Through in vitro lab studies using avian hepatocytes and fibroblasts, captive dosing and behavioural studies, and field studies at migratory stopover sites, my goal is to determine if industrial contaminants commonly found in the environment are capable of affecting migrant bird populations. Here I will test hypotheses that sublethal effects of industrial pollutants alter natural circadian and circannual rhythms, migratory orientation and navigation, as well as fuelling and fat storage. Given more than 40% of migratory bird species are declining worldwide, a lack of understanding of chemical effects on migratory physiology and behaviour limits our potential to employ conservation measures to protect migratory species. Migratory birds are extremely important for providing ecosystem services such as pest control, seed dispersion, pollination, decomposition, and nutrient additions and their declines may ultimately threaten the integrity of ecosystems across large geographic areas. This research will aid in the discovery of sensitive life stages for exposure and add new insight into the consequences of industrial pollutant exposure on migration success.